Solar Energy For Your Cabin

Many times people look for a rustic get-a-way vacation cabin, and find just what they want, but beyond the reach of electrical power. Now they must find a way to get light and heat into their wilderness retreat. Solar energy is the answer, and this article provides information about how to make use of it.

You may think finding some used appliances for your cabin is a good idea, but older appliances are not as energy efficient. Look for new appliances in a small size, but large enough to meet your needs while you are staying at your cabin. Many times appliances intended for an efficiency apartment are ideal for a vacation cabin. You can also search for a small, wood-burning stove to provide a way to cook and heat your cabin. Most of the time, a wilderness cabin is located in or near a forest, and plenty of firewood is available.

You are going to need energy from at least two sources, one to provide heat and hot water, and another to provide electricity for your appliances. If you install just a couple solar panels, the energy they collect can be stored in batteries and will provide electricity. It is a good idea to have a back-up generator available in case the sun does not shine for several days in a row.

You will need hot water for bathing, cooking and cleaning. Most of the time, a solar water heater can provide all you need. If you need very hot water, it can be heated on your wood fired stove. If you do not want to spend money on a solar water heater, consider installing a gravity fed shower that uses water from an overhead tank that you can fill with warm water before showering.

Before you even purchase your wilderness cabin, determine how expensive it will be to provide the amount of energy you will need. If the cost is too high, perhaps you should consider finding a vacation cottage closer to civilization. Solar panels can be expensive to install, and take a long time to recoup the cost. This is true even on a house you are living in all the time, and even more so for a vacation cabin.

While you are investigating the cost of fitting your cabin with energy producing products, you will also be locating the least expensive sources. Many items can be found locally, but some good deals may be available online.

Once you have determined the full cost of purchasing and supplying your vacation cabin, proceed with the purchase if it is within your budget. Once you have spent some time in your cabin, you will discover new ways to live comfortably without electricity. Remember, the pioneers did not have electricity for many years.

A wilderness cabin can truly be a retreat away from civilization, but it also means a vacation from convenience. Once you have made the decision to purchase your cabin, use the information in this article to help provide energy for the most necessary conveniences.